Celebrate yourself - Happy International Women's day!

Celebration: What? When?

Did you know that  March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD)? On this day, the whole world recognizes and celebrates women and their achievements. It was first celebrated in 1909 by the United States and has now spread to the whole world.    The preceding year 1908 saw the women working in the garment industry in New York protesting publicly against poor working conditions and low wages and 2 years later (1910) on the Women’s Day, saw them successful in having a women’s labour union as well. Yes, three cheers for the grit and determination of the first few fighters!  Thanks to them and many others from all over the world including India, we are all reaping the rewards now.

Celebration: How?

This day is an official holiday in many countries like China, Brazil,Vietnam etc. It is celebrated like a combination of Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day in some  countries with folks giving roses etc. to their sweethearts and mothers. Check out the wikipedia entry on IWD.

In India, there are many rallies and public events on this day. Some shops catering to women have discounts and special schemes for women as well.

Celebration: What about us desi gurls?

I find the women around me simply amazing - so much energy, resilience, grit and determination, beauty...and totally beyond labels and stereotypes. Despite Mutalik, repression, girl child biases and atrocities, all the burdens, work, the spirit of Indian women is roaring and raring to go as never before.

So remember the few women who stand up and make things happen for us all. Let us put our potential to work and “do things”. Remember our daughters learn from us. And let us teach this to our daughters and teach our sons to respect women.

Oh yes moms, do NOT forget to do something special for yourself. Whatever gives you the most joy, pamper yourself - a book, movie, a walk or a run, a chocolate, a pedicure or visit to the beauty parlour, retail therapy or shopping, meditation, temple, coffee or the pub with friends...whatever. Take out time. You are special and worth it.

Dads, encourage mom for this.

Happy International Womens Day to you desi gurls! You go gurrrrl!

(As for me, am trying to decide between a) much-needed pedicure or b) sending the hubby on a jaunt with the kids so that I can curl up and read my much-neglected novel or c) BOTH! Any ideas? and your plans?)